Pathophysiology is a branch of medical sciences that combines physiology and pathology to elucidate the etiology and pathogenesis of disease. It concerns the occurrence, development and outcome of disease to clarify the essence of disease, and provides experimental and theoretical basis for clinical diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Thus, it is believed to serve a bridge between basic medical science and clinical science, play an important role in the medical education system. Pathophysiology is mainly composed of four parts: a brief introduction of disease, fundamental common pathological processes, organic pathophysiology and cellular and molecular pathophysiology. Based on the training guidance for the students majored in clinical medicine and other related clinical medicine, students will be expected to obtain the following knowledge and skill after taking this course.

1. Basic theory and knowledge

1）Master the underlying mechanisms by which disease occurs and the resultant functional and metabolic alternations within the body.

2）Be familiar with the causes and conditions of disease.

3）Understand the pathophysiological basis for clinical diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

2. General capability and skill

1）Self-learning ability: Points will be explained and stressed in the class. Further reading will be instructed.

2）Skills of problem-solving and comprehensive analytical ability: Questions in actual clinical cases will be discussed.

3）Speciality English terms.

3. Innovative ability

Course Schedule:

Week 1 9/11 Concept of Pathophyisology

Week 2 9/18 Disorders of Water and Sodium Metabolism

Week 3 9/25 Disorders of Potassium Metabolism

Week 4 10/2 Holiday

Week 5 10/9 Stress and Related Disease

Week 6 10/16 Fever

Week 7 10/23 Hypoxia

Week 8 10/30 Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation

Week 9 11/6 Shock

Week 10 11/13 Ischemia-Reperfusion injury

Week 11 11/20 Acid-Base Balance and Disturbances

Week 12 11/27 Heart Failure

Week 13 12/4 Renal Failure

Week 14 12/11 Respiratory Failure

Week 15 12/18 Hepatic Failure

Week 16 12/25 Case Study

Week 17 1/1 Holiday

Week 18 1/9 Final Exam

Course Requirements:

Pathophysiology is a bridge between clinical medicine and basic medicine. The present course will focus on the following contents. Firstly, the concept of disease-etiology, pathogenesis and outcome-are explained. Secondly, several fundamental pathological processes, for example, fluid and electrolyte balance and imbalance, acid-base balance and distribution, hypoxia, fever, apoptosis, stress, DIC, shock and ischemia-reperfusion injury will be addressed. Finally, dysfunctions or failure of vital organs, including heart, lung, kidney, liver and brain will be described. This course requires students to master the mechanism of every basic fundamental process, the basic pathogenesis of disease in each part.